Each season the decision is made when to stop milking the goats. My business depends upon fresh goat milk, a very obvious fact.
I could purchase milk at the grocery, or in cans, or in the powdered form. But our products contain our milk, produced from our goats, milked by me. That is who we are! I know what goes into the goat’s mouth, therefore, I know what does not end up in the milk. Nothing else will do.
So, to give the “girls” (does) that are “in milk” (currently being milked) a break before they “freshen” (give birth), I make the seasonal decision to remove them from the milk stand. The decision involves looking at the calendar and the freezer contents for a count, and sometimes even a second look. I will admit, there are moments that some would consider nail-biting. Cutting the cord to fresh milk, take a deep breath!
Happily, both freezers are spilling over with frozen goat milk. We can take a rest now girls. I love you.
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
Been there, done that making that kind of decision! We’re not milking anymore here since we don’t have any use for the milk anyways. We’ve been drinking mostly or using almond or rice milk lately though.
~*~Amy~*~
Hi Amy!
It really is an annual thing with the goats, when to stop milking. This year we did not have as many on the stand since we did not pull the kids off of their dams. It worked out well.
Have a wonderful day.
Hi Mary!
We’ve had to make those decisions before too! Now we don’t have the freezer space for extra milk anyways and when we had kidding season, we always tried to dam raise the kids because of our schedule. Now we’re not breeding goats though.
Have a good day too!
Amy
Hi Mary,
It must be so fulfilling and inspiring to know that your soaps are made with the milk produced right there on your farm? Talk about being able to vouch for the integrity and healthy qualities of your soaps! It makes the whole creative process that much more meaningful and enjoyable. Thanks for sharing a day in the life of your farm!
Thank you, Michael, again, for your kindness. It is a “joy” to connect with fellow soapers!
When I make decisions like these, taking the girls out of milk, it reminds me that our soap company really does rely on more than making soap in our studio. It is what we feed, it is what we milk, how we care for the animals, and everything depends upon the twice a day round to the barn…and yes, it really is meaningful!
How sweet! Now you can concentrate more on getting that new farm up and running.
Awww! I love your picture and the fact that you show respect and love for your goats. I bet it transcends to your soap as well.
We do have a deep love for all animals, especially our goats. Thank you for your kind comments.